Leafs GM Brad Treliving Urged To Pursue Rising Star Defenseman Following Shocking Move

The Toronto Maple Leafs could set themselves up with their defenseman of the future and trade for Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke after the breakout blueliner was scratched yet again.

Though there's a lot of speculation that the Maple Leafs will trade for some much-needed firepower to their forward group, coming off three straight losses and a sudden lack of offense has made the need for a trade even more important.

But if Brad Treliving wanted to make a big splash and perhaps find his next superstar, he should buck the trend of going after some solid depth and instead try and acquire Clarke.

Clarke would be perfect trade for Maple Leafs The Leafs are in a tough spot regarding their defense, at least in the future.

Their top four are all over 30 and will only get older as the seasons pass, so Clarke is the answer if the team is worried about the future.

Drafted eighth overall by the Kings in 2021, Clarke has been scratched two games in a row, and given he's the team's leading scorer on the blueline, it's a bit perplexing.

Whether head coach Jim Hiller is trying to experiment or is cold-footed about putting Clarke under a lot of pressure and wants to give him a break, it's unfortunate for Clarke.

This season with the Kings, he has three goals and 21 assists while adding 82 blocks and nearly three minutes of ice time compared to last season.

While it would take a king's ransom to acquire such a big-named stud, Toronto might be doing themselves a favor by trading for him.

He would immediately be Morgan Rielly's successor and replacement, potentially letting the Leafs send him home and bringing back some key reinforcements.

He would also offer a defensive improvement over Rielly, and though he's certainly not as seasoned, he's only improving while the Leafs blueliner is on the downswing.

Clarke is in the second year of his ELC and will only make $863,000 this season and next.

If Toronto can lock him up for good, it could be Morgan Rielly 2.0, but this time, successful.

This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission..

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